Deep-C Data Center Data Management Plan

The Deep-C data center has a mission to accept, distribute, and ensure the long-term archiving of any Deep-C-funded datasets, analyses, or products.

The data center will accept any observational/analysis datasets or products developed by Deep-C researchers in an "as submitted" condition. We prefer digital (electronic) data files, but are willing to work with researchers to scan hardcopy records (e.g., handwritten shipboard data logs) for long-term preservation. Digitization of hard copy records is not a primary role of the data center and will be conducted only if resources allow. Each dataset, analysis, or product received by the Deep-C data center will be version controlled, tracked, and served to the wider community in accordance with the Deep-C data release policy (below). The data center will work with the GRIIDC, the central GoMRI data cataloging center, to ensure long-term preservation of all data at a responsible national archive center. When a suitable national archive does not exist, GRIIDC will retain a copy of the relevant Deep-C data and documentation and will be responsible for its preservation.

The Deep-C data center will serve, and subsequently register with GRIIDC, files in the condition and format in which they are received. No additional quality control or analysis will be conducted by data center personnel. In the future, we may create tools or graphics to display the contents of the files.

The Deep-C data center will also collect a range of metadata describing data collection, analysis, and product development activities. Any action by Deep-C researchers that will result in a file being submitted to the data center is considered an activity (e.g., cruise, mooring, shoreside sampling, model run, laboratory analysis). We seek information on what, who, how, where, and when the activities are conducted. Activity metadata should be submitted within 60 days of the completion of each Deep-C-funded activity.

The Deep-C data center will not accept physical samples (water, flora, fauna, etc.) or any personally identifying information (PII). If received, PII will be deleted or redacted prior to these documents being accepted by the data center.

Deep-C Data Release Policy

The Deep-C data release policy is governed by the Master Research Agreement Data Policy set out by GoMRI. The Deep-C data center will provide a mechanism to control access to each dataset, analysis, or product received from Deep-C researchers for a period not to exceed one year from data collection.

The access levels include the following:

Access provided only to submitter (PI-only)

Access provided to ANY Deep-C researcher

Access provided to ANY GoMRI-funded researcher

Free and open access (public)

The submitter will be required to select an access level upon submission of each dataset, analysis, or product to the data center. The data center will not release any submitted files to any national archive until they are released to the public. In accordance with GoMRI policy, we will make a submitted dataset public after the one-year hold period is complete; however, Deep-C scientists are encouraged to release their data prior the end of the one-year period.

Additionally, Deep-C researchers have agreed that temperature, conductivity, and depth (CTD) measurements collected on rosette casts during Deep-C research cruises will be made publically available within two months of the end of the cruise.

Deep-C was a four-year, interdisciplinary study of deep sea to coast connectivity in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.Deep-C is no longer an active research project. The information on this website is for historical reference purposes only.